CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
SPEAKING FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
True-False
T F 1. According to the text, the conclusion of a toast usually contains an expression of
best wishes and future success.
T F 2. Keynote speeches are usually brief.
T F 3. Speakers who are not comfortable with humor should try to force themselves to be
funny.
T F 4. Speakers making dedication speeches reinforce collective interests and goals of
listeners.
T F 5. Speeches of presentation often include words such as “most,” “best,” or “first.”
T F 6. The speech of introduction often includes descriptions of a speaker’s personal
qualities.
T F 7. In a toast given to honor a foreign dignitary or head of state, a toast should not
identify areas of disagreement.
T F 8. It is egotistical and inappropriate for Academy Award nominees to have
acceptance speeches prepared in case they win “Best Actor” or “Best Actress”
awards.
T F 9. Speeches of tribute focus on contributions and virtues.
T F 10. Farewell speeches are presented on the occasion of a change in status or position.
T F 11. Farewell speeches are often emotional and moving.
T F 12. An acceptance speech is given by someone who has won significant contests in
sports, politics, the military or business.
T F 13. When the use of humor stimulates audience feedback in an after-dinner speech, a
speaker should continue talking through audience laughter.
T F 14. According to the text, an effective toast should be serious.
T F 15. A lengthy nominating speech can be damaging to the nominee.
T F 16. A speech of tribute should include a brief biological sketch, but not a mention of
achievements.
T F 17. It is appropriate for speeches of tribute to include details which are not
specifically relevant to the biography of the individual being honored.
T F 18. According to the text, a commencement speaker who is self-absorbed will not be
taken seriously by the audience.
T F 19. After-dinner speeches are similar to comic routines containing unconnected
stories or jokes.
T F 20. Effective speeches of tribute connect past virtues to the present by
encouraging listeners to continue similar struggles.
T F 21. A conclusion to a eulogy should place emphasis on the loss of a loved one.
T F 22. In presentation speeches, dropping framed certificates or handing out plaques
upside down add to the humor, spontaneity, and informality of an occasion.
T F 23. Welcome speeches are used to extend greetings to just the brand new members of an
organization who have never attended before.
T F 24. A speech presented at a retirement or going-away ceremony is called a eulogy.
T F 25. Audiences expect individuals making acceptance speeches to be nervous and
somewhat inarticulate.
T F 26. Effective dedication speeches acknowledge the symbolism of a venture and refer
to the sacrifice of individuals fostering a project.
T F 27. You are not successful in an after-dinner speech unless the audience responds
with raucous laughter.
T F 28. Speeches of presentation should be spontaneous and unrehearsed.
T F 29. The speech by Robert Dole presented in the Special Occasion chapter was a
commencement speech.
T F 30. Victory speeches often occur after hard-fought battles or competitions that
require endurance.
T F 31. Keynote speakers highlight challenges and obstacles to goals such as divisiveness,
inferior working condition, unknown cures or inequality.
Multiple Choice
32. A speech delivered at a memorial service or a funeral is known as a
a. testimonial
b. speech of dedication
c. eulogy
d. convincing speech
33. Before leaving his home in Springfield, Illinois and assuming the presidency,
Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech which is known as a(n)
a. speech of tribute
b. farewell address
c. speech of welcome
d. acceptance speech
34. The sample speech introduction by Barack Obama presented in the text is known
as
a. a farewell speech
b. a keynote speech
c. a victory speech
d. an inaugural address
35. The sample speech nominating General Dwight D. Eisenhower at the 1952
Republican National Convention by Governor Theodore McKeldin is known as
a. a speech of tribute
b. a presentation speech
c. a keynote speech
d. a nominating speech
36. The conclusion of a presentation speech should contain
a. a challenge to the audience
b. an appeal for specific action
c. the bestowal of an award or plaque
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
37. A speech which commemorates the completion of a project is called
a. a presentation speech
b. a dedication speech
c. a speech of tribute
d. a speech of introduction
38. Commencement speeches should not contain
a. references to values
b. congratulatory remarks
c. platitudes
d. references to problems
39. The textbook example of Representative Barbara Jordan’s speech to the 1976
Democratic National Convention is known as
a. a keynote speech
b. an acceptance speech
c. a nominating speech
d. a farewell speech
40. A speaker making a speech of presentation should
a. be brief
b. identify the nature of the award
c. acquaint the audience with the recipient’s life
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
41. After-dinner speeches differ from other types of presentations due to
a. organization
b. the lack of a thesis
c. the use of humor
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
42. One statement that is not true of a speech of tribute is that
a. it presents a biography or life sketch
b. it is usually lengthy
c. it conveys hope and encouragement
d. it praises high moral values
43. A speech which honors the specific achievements of individuals in organizations is
known as
a. the speech of dedication
b. the speech of introduction
c. the presentation speech
d. the speech of tribute
44. “This place will be known as a house of worship,” is a phrase which would appear in
a. a dedication speech
b. a presentation speech
c. a speech of tribute
d. a speech of introduction
45. Speeches of introduction that are flowery and elegant
a. help to impress audiences
b. exhaust audiences and defeat the purpose of the speech
c. have little effect upon listeners
d. prepare the audience positively for a speaker’s remarks
46. The speech in the text presented at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Jan C. Scruggs
was
a. a presentation speech
b. a speech of welcome
c. a keynote speech
d. a dedication speech
47. The speech presented to new or returning members of organizations is called
a. a speech of introduction
b. a speech of welcome
c. an acceptance speech
d. a victory speech
48. A speaker presenting a welcome to members should
a. build trust and support
b. mention common ground
c. identify problems to be solved
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
49. A toast might be appropriate at which of the following special occasions?
a. a bar mitzvah
b. a wedding
c. a birthday
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
50. Humor in a speech depends upon
a. timing
b. smooth delivery
c. rehearsal
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
51. In a nominating speech, a speaker should not include
a. the qualifications necessary for the job
b. the values of the nominee
c. how the group will succeed under the nominee’s leadership
d. insignificant biographical details
52. A special occasion speech which seeks to stimulate and reinforce feelings people
share about a person admired within a community is called a (n)
a. acceptance speech
b. speech of dedication
c. a victory speech
d. a speech of tribute
53. A speech which helps to establish the credibility of another speaker by relating his or
her experience and expertise regarding a topic is known as
a. the presentation speech
b. the speech of tribute
c. the speech of introduction
d. the toast
54. Which statement does not accurately describe a keynote speech?
a. It is lengthy
b. It identifies challenges and obstacles to goals
c. It is unemotional
d. It reinforces feelings
55. Speeches which present the names of individuals for consideration to elective office
are called
a. speeches of introduction
b. presentational speeches
c. nominating speeches
d. keynote speeches
56. Successful commencement speeches should
a. be lengthy
b. focus on the speech rather than the graduation ceremony
c. contain high-sounding phrases
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
57. At which event might humor be accepted as part of the speech?
a. a eulogy
b. speech of tribute
c. acceptance speech
d. an after-dinner presentation
58. Which of the following statements does not describe a victory speech?
a. the speaker’s remarks can be formal or informal
b. it celebrates the winning accomplishment
c. the speaker takes full credit for the victory
d. it offers conciliatory remarks for the opponent
Essay
59. Describe how a speaker should develop and organize a eulogy.
60. Provide some guidelines for preparing and presenting an after-dinner speech. Include in your
answer several principles concerning the use of humor.
61. Identify four types of special occasion speeches. Provide the principal objective of each
speech and give a concrete example.
52. Discuss the major pitfalls and shortcomings of many commencement speeches. Describe
how these important speeches can be improved.
53. Explain how you would construct a victory speech and the elements you would include in
your speech.
54. You have been asked to present a toast at your friend’s wedding. What sorts of information
would you want to include in that toast and why?
Online Chapter Quiz Questions
Chapter 18
Speaking for Special Occasions
True False
1. The most likely special occasion speech presented at the beginning of a Democratic or
Republican convention would be a keynote address.
2, According to the text, an after-dinner speech would contain a series of unconnected jokes and
stories.
3. A farewell speech would be presented on the occasion of a change in status or position.
4. A eulogy and a testimonial are the same type of speech.
5. A speech that acquaints the audience with a speaker or lecturer is a welcome speech.
Multiple Choice
6. The type of speech presented at a wedding would most often be
a. a eulogy
b. an acceptance speech
c. a keynote speech
d. a toast
7. The most appropriate speech given at the opening of a new church, synagogue, or mosque
would be a
a. dedication speech
b. eulogy
c. nominating speech
d. after-dinner speech
8. During a White House ceremony where the President awards the medal of freedom to a
distinguished American, the recipient would deliver
a. an acceptance speech
b. a speech of dedication
c. a speech of tribute
d. a speech of introduction
9. One thing that is not an objective of the speech of tribute is to
a. construct a biographical sketch
b. acknowledge significant achievements
c. review past failures
d. convey encouragement
10. The type of speech that might be appropriate at a retirement occasion would be
a. an acceptance speech
b. a speech of introduction
c. an after-dinner speech
d. a farewell speech
Fill in the Blank
11. The type of special occasion speech presented to new or returning members of an
organization would be a _____________________.
12. A speech that is presented by an individual who has won a significant contest would be a
_____________________ ____________________.
13. A speech that presents a name to a group for elective office is known as
________________________.
14. A speech that is usually a light, humorous presentation designed to entertain is
________________________.
15. The speech that is given to honor graduates of an institution is known as a
_______________________ ____________________.
Answers
